The road to crafting lasting regulation to protect the open Internet has had several twists and turns. As the FCC prepares a vote to adopt new rules, CNET takes a look back to the origins of the current debate.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is at the center of a historic debate over how we'll all use the Internet. Fans applaud a consumer-friendly approach. Critics say he'll strangle innovation. Both sides agree he's not afraid to do what he thinks is right.